Cladribine inhibits a diltiazem-induced increase in red blood cell purine nucleotide concentrations in a zebrafish model

Biomarkers. 2009 Dec;14(8):554-9. doi: 10.3109/13547500903131698.

Abstract

Minimizing drug interactions is paramount to improving the efficacy and tolerability of cancer therapy. The zebrafish represents an innovative cancer model due to highly conserved genetics and inherent capacity for high-throughput chemical screening. This pilot study extends the utility of the zebrafish to a preclinical model for pharmacodynamics by examining the interaction of the nucleoside analogue, cladribine with the calcium channel blocker, diltiazem. Cladribine (0.7-3.5 mM) and/or diltiazem (2.4 mM), was injected intraperitoneally into adult zebrafish and red blood cell (RBC) lysates were assayed by HPLC for levels of purine nucleotides (e.g. ATP), potential biomarkers of cardiovascular health. Diltiazem increased RBC ATP concentrations, which were inhibited by co-injection of cladribine. These results suggest a novel drug interaction and highlight the feasibility of the zebrafish as an in vivo model for pharmacodynamic studies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / blood
  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / blood*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Cladribine / therapeutic use*
  • Diltiazem / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Diltiazem / pharmacology
  • Drug Interactions
  • Erythrocytes / drug effects*
  • Models, Animal
  • Pilot Projects
  • Purine Nucleotides / blood*
  • Zebrafish

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Purine Nucleotides
  • Cladribine
  • Adenosine Triphosphate
  • Diltiazem